2 Michigan teachers receive presidential honors in math, science

Jan. 5, 2014

Brian Peterson is one of two Michigan teachers who recently were named winners of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Teaching. He teaches at Musson Elementary School in Rochester Hills and is an instructor at Oakland University. / PAEMST

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Detroit Free Press Education Writer

Emily Theriault-Kimmey teaches in Ann Arbor Public Schools. She is one of two Michigan teachers who recently were honored with the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. / PAEMST

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Brian Peterson was growing up in Grand Rapids when he was bitten by the science bug.

“Instead of playing video games, I would be out in the woods flipping logs and up to my knees in the creek — exploring and pulling up plants and trying to catch snakes,” said Peterson, 39. “I loved exploring and doing new things.”

The awards were given in each state and in four U.S. jurisdictions. They are the highest honor given by the U.S. government to recognize top math and science teachers.

Peterson, whose specialty is science, won the science award for Michigan. Emily Theriault-Kimmey, lead teacher at Pattengill Elementary School in Ann Arbor Public Schools, won the math award.

Both will receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

“These teachers are inspiring today’s young students to become the next generation of American scientists, mathematicians and innovators,” President Barack Obama said in a news release. “Through their passion and dedication, and by sharing their excitement about science, technology, engineering and math, they are helping us build a promising future for all our children.”

For Peterson, news of the award hadn’t sunk in by the end of last week.

“People tell you you won,” he said. “It just doesn’t seem real.”

But he said he is pleased to see teachers getting recognition because so much of the discussion around education lately has been negative.

“It means a lot that it’s important enough for the country that we honor teachers,” Peterson said Friday.

Theriault-Kimmey, in a statement posted on the recognition program’s website, said receiving the award “is an incredible experience,” and that she’s accepting it on behalf of those who have influenced her — from other teachers to students to mentors.

“I will continue to pass on the passion for education that they have instilled in me,” she said.

Sharing his love for science is important to Peterson. His students are currently studying astronomy; one of them could one day be the first person to step foot on Mars.

“The greatest thing about science is the hands-on. You get to do activities and experiments and try things. It’s OK to fail once in a while ... because that’s how we learn.”